Sport training device

ABSTRACT

A sports ball for stroke training is provided which comprises one or more designated energy-absorbing zones and one or more energy-responsive zones adjacent the one or more designated energy-absorbing zones wherein the one or more energy-responsive zones are positioned at one or more sweet spots of the sports ball, such that a stroke that strikes an energy-responsive zone results in the sports ball travelling further than the sports ball will travel from a similar stroke that strikes an energy-absorbing zone.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

THIS invention relates to sports training devices for sports thatutilise a ball. In particular, the invention relates to a sports ballfor stroke training which includes an optimal point of impact for achosen stroke technique.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Repetitive drills are a common learning technique used in teachingsport. Drills help players to develop the muscular motions and hand orfoot and eye coordination necessary for proper actions in that sport.Various teaching aids have been developed for assisting a player todevelop the necessary skills. However, most such teaching aids don'tgive instant feedback to the user if not used correctly and with theproper technique.

In particular, kicking is a fundamental and versatile technique used forpassing, shooting and scoring in a number of ball sports. Especially inthe field of professional sports, the ability to kick a ball withaccuracy and efficiency on a reproducible level is vital. Moreover,there is an urgent need for precision training equipment which suits avariety of kicking techniques. However, there is a paucity of availableprecision training equipment for kicking. Balls for kicking traininghave conventionally involved balls which are heavier than match balls orincorporated colours or diagrams on the outside skin of the sports ballhowever these types of training devices are limited in scope and do notassist with precision training for particular kick techniques.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one form, although it need not be the only or indeed the broadestform, the invention resides in a sports ball for stroke training,comprising:

-   -   one or more designated energy-absorbing zones; and    -   one or more energy-responsive zones adjacent the one or more        designated energy-absorbing zones;    -   wherein the one or more energy-responsive zones are positioned        at one or more sweet spots of the sports ball, such that a        stroke that strikes an energy-responsive zone results in the        sports ball travelling further than the sports ball will travel        from a similar stroke that strikes an energy-absorbing zone.

In another form, the invention resides in a modified Australian RulesFootball ball for kicking training, comprising:

-   -   one or more designated energy-absorbing zones; and    -   one or more energy-responsive zones adjacent the one or more        designated energy-absorbing zones;    -   wherein the one or more energy-responsive zones are positioned        at one or more sweet spots of the sports ball, such that a        stroke that strikes an energy-responsive zone results in the        sports ball travelling further than the sports ball will travel        from a similar stroke that strikes an energy-absorbing zone.

In yet another form, the invention resides in a modified American Rulesball for kicking training, comprising:

-   -   one or more designated energy-absorbing zones; and    -   one or more energy-responsive zones adjacent the one or more        designated energy-absorbing zones;    -   wherein the one or more energy-responsive zones are positioned        at one or more sweet spots of the sports ball, such that a        stroke that strikes an energy-responsive zone results in the        sports ball travelling further than the sports ball will travel        from a similar stroke that strikes an energy-absorbing zone.

In still yet another form, the invention resides in a modified soccerball for kicking training, comprising:

-   -   one or more designated energy-absorbing zones; and    -   one or more energy-responsive zones adjacent the one or more        designated energy-absorbing zones;    -   wherein the one or more energy-responsive zones are positioned        at one or more sweet spots of the sports ball, such that a        stroke that strikes an energy-responsive zone results in the        sports ball travelling further than the sports ball will travel        from a similar stroke that strikes an energy-absorbing zone.

In another form, the invention resides in a modified Rugby ball forkicking training, comprising:

-   -   one or more designated energy-absorbing zones; and    -   one or more energy-responsive zones adjacent the one or more        designated energy-absorbing zones;    -   wherein the one or more energy-responsive zones are positioned        at one or more sweet spots of the sports ball, such that a        stroke that strikes an energy-responsive zone results in the        sports ball travelling further than the sports ball will travel        from a similar stroke that strikes an energy-absorbing zone.

Preferably, the modified Rugby ball is selected from a modified RugbyUnion ball and a Rugby League ball.

In a further form, the invention resides in a modified golf ball,comprising:

-   -   one or more designated energy-absorbing zones; and    -   one or more energy-responsive zones adjacent the one or more        designated energy-absorbing zones;    -   wherein the one or more energy-responsive zones are positioned        at one or more sweet spots of the sports ball, such that a        stroke that strikes an energy-responsive zone results in the        sports ball travelling further than the sports ball will travel        from a similar stroke that strikes an energy-absorbing zone.

In preferred embodiments of any one of the aforementioned forms, thesports ball of the present invention is an inflatable sports ball andmore preferably, an inflatable sports ball for kicking training.

In other preferred embodiments, the sports ball of the present inventionis a not inflatable. More preferably, the non inflatable sports ball isa golf ball for golf stroke or shot training.

In preferred embodiments of any one of the aforementioned forms, theinvention resides in a modified sports balls for stroke training.

Preferably, the sports ball or modified ball of any one of theaforementioned forms is an elliptical shape or a round shape.

In preferred embodiments relating to an elliptical shaped inflatableball, the one or more sweet spots are located towards a first narrow endand/or a second narrow end of the elliptical shaped sports ball and morepreferably, the one or more sweet spots are about 4 inches above a firstnarrow end and a second end. In other preferred embodiments that relateto an elliptical shaped inflatable ball, the one or more sweet spots arelocated about a substantially central point between a first narrow endand a second narrow end.

In other embodiments that relate to a round inflatable ball, the one ormore sweet spots are located about a substantially central point betweena first narrow end and a second narrow end.

In a further form, the invention resides in use of a sports ball or amodified sports ball according to any one of the aforementioned forms,for stroke and preferably, kicking training or golf stroke training.

Preferably, the kicking training is for a football code selected fromthe group consisting of soccer, Australian Rules Football, AmericanFootball, Rugby Union and Rugby League.

In preferred embodiments, the kicking training is for a kickingtechnique selected from the group consisting of a drop punt, a torpedopunt a curve kick and a spiral punt.

In another particular form, the invention resides in a method for sportsstroke training, which method includes the step of striking one or moreenergy-responsive zones positioned at one or more sweet sport on asports ball such that a stroke that strikes an energy-responsive zoneresults in the sports ball travelling further than the sports ball willtravel from a similar stroke that strike one or more designatedenergy-absorbing zones adjacent the one or more energy-responsive zoneson the sports ball.

In preferred embodiments of this form, the sports ball is the sportsball or the modified sports ball of any one of the aforementioned forms.

Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise,the words “comprise”, “comprises” and “comprising” will be understood toimply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not theexclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

In order that the invention may be readily understood and put intopractical effect, preferred embodiments will now be described by way ofexample with reference to the accompanying:

FIG. 1A is a sectional side view of a sports ball according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a rear view of a bladder of the sports ball shown in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2 is a rear view of a bladder according to another preferredembodiment of the present invention

FIG. 3 is an top end view of the bladder shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a rear view of a bladder according to yet another preferredembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the bladder shown in FIG. 4; and

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a sports ball according to anotherembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to training balls and more particularlyprecision training sports balls for stroke training, which areconstructed to create an optimal point of impact positionedstrategically for the specific sport and chosen technique or methodwithin a particular sport. Therefore in one broad aspect, the inventionrelates to a modified sports training ball. In preferred embodiments,the invention relates to an inflatable sports ball which has particularuse for kicking training. In other preferred embodiments that relate toa non-inflatable sports ball that may be used for, for example, strokeor shot training in golf. Therefore it will be appreciated that a strokeis any action of hitting a ball inclusive of a hitting a ball by a bodypart such as a foot (such as a kick) or a hand, or hitting a ball with asports apparatus such as a golf club, racquet and the like.

Reference is made to FIG. 1A being a sectional side view of aninflatable sports ball 10 according to a preferred embodiment that maybe used as a training device for kicking techniques used in AustralianRules Football, Rugby Union, Rugby League or American Football(otherwise known as ‘NFL’). These sports game balls are of virtually thesame elliptical shape but of different measurements. The inflatablesports ball 10 comprises an outer carcass 11 and a bladder 14 disposedwithin the interior of the outer carcass 11. The outer carcass 11includes a durable outer cover and exterior lining (not shown). It willbe understood that the outer carcass 11 is manufactured from a materialthat is suited for the particular sports ball. By way of example, anouter carcass 11 of an NFL ball typically includes leather, althoughwithout limitation thereto.

As with conventional inflatable balls, the outer carcass 11 furtherincludes a valve 12 for inflation or deflation of an inner core 15 ofthe bladder 14. The valve 12 is the insertion point of an inflationneedle of an air pump apparatus (not shown). The valve 12 comprises avalve nipple 13 a which projects out from the outer carcass 11 and actsas a stabilisation point for insertion needle. Extending from the valvenipple 13 a and through the outer carcass 11 is the valve stem 13 bwhich is an access guide for the insertion needle to the valve hole 13 clocated on the inner bladder 14. As with conventional sports ball, thevalve 12 includes a soft sealing mechanism that prevents escape of airin the bladder 14 via the valve stem 13 b (not shown).

Reference is made to FIG. 1B showing the bladder 14 of an inflatablesports ball 10 designed for training of a drop punt kick. The drop puntor pooch kick is the most accurate kick in Australian Rules Football andNFL. The drop punt is used in Australian Rules Football for goal kickingbut is the least used properly and the most difficult to teach correctlyby coaches. For a drop punt kick, the ball is held vertically, droppedand kicked before it hits the ground thus resulting in the ball spinningbackwards, end over end. This is the preferred technique for goalkicking in Australian Rules Football and is more accurate and easier tomark than the punt kick, which is held flat and when kicked, spins onits horizontal axis.

The bladder 14 is designed for holding pressurized air as is known inthe art and should be able to withstand repeated blows from a kickwithout rupturing or breaking loose. The bladder 14 is manufactured fromor composed of a resilient material that allows energy that isintroduced to the bladder 14 to be returned. It will be understood thatthe material from which the bladder 14 is synthesised will have elasticproperties.

In association with the outer surface 19 of the bladder 14 are two (2)designated energy-absorbing zones 16 each in the form of a region ofmaterial such as foam, rubber, polymer-based materials or any othernominated material that is able to absorb energy as are known in theart. The thickness of the material forming the energy-absorbing zonewill be as required to absorb sufficient energy in the presentinvention. It will be understood that the designated energy-absorbingzones 16 are thus ‘dead spots’ on the bladder 14 which absorb the forceof a kick. In alternative embodiments, the dead spots may be designedinto the bladder 14, which is applicable to embodiments of the inventiongenerally this applies to the invention generally. If the bladder 14 isat least partially struck in at least one designated energy-absorbingzones 16, the ball will propel incorrectly through the air or not propelat all, which thus results in a sub-optimal outcome. Therefore, theso-called dead spots provide the user with instant feedback that animproper technique or kicking style was employed. In light of theforegoing, it will be understood that the designated energy-absorbingzones 16 may be adhered either directly or indirectly to the outersurface 19 or alternatively, may be in adhered directly or indirectlywith the interior surface of the outer carcass 11.

The placement of the designated energy-absorbing zones 16 in associationwith the bladder 14 creates an optimal impact zone 18 (otherwise knownas “sweet spot”) for a desired kicking technique, and in this preferredembodiment a drop punt or pooch punt. Therefore it will be appreciatedthat the sweet spot is formed from the material of the bladder or inalternative embodiments, may be formed from another material that hasenergy-responsive properties. With reference to FIG. 1B and in thecontext of a drop punt or pooch punt, the optimal impact zone is aboutfour inches above each end point of an inflatable sports ball 10. Thekicker's foot should follow through and contact the ball the optimalimpact zone 18 for optimal impact and accuracy. The optimal impact zone18 is an energy-responsive zone which allows the energy introduced intothe zone to be returned (as opposed to absorbed). This return in energypropels the ball away from the optimal impact zone 18 thus teachingproper technique and muscle memory and providing instant feedback forthe user. Typically, although not exclusively, the optimal impact zone18 is a region on the bladder 14 which is thus energy resilient. It willbe appreciated that in other embodiments, one or more energy-responsivezones may be created by application of a suitable material (other thanthe bladder material) that has resilience. Therefore it will beappreciated that the one or more energy-absorbing zones in combinationwith the one or more energy-responsive zones creates a zone of impactwhich, if contacted or struck, results in an optimal outcome orperformance.

The inflatable bladder 14 thus herein described will create the normalshape of a chosen sports ball ideally without adding any weight orcreation of imbalance in the ball.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show a bladder 20 modified according to the presentinvention for training of a torpedo or spiral punt. The torpedo punt,which is used in American Football, is a kicking technique implementedto enhance the distance the ball is kicked. A similar but not identicaltechnique is also used in AFL, Rugby Union and Rugby League. The ballspins about its long axis instead of end over end (as the drop puntdoes), making the flight of the ball aerodynamic, but more difficult tocatch. With extra distance, this type of kick is also more difficult toaccurately kick and judge depth.

The bladder 20 includes two (2) designated energy-absorbing zones 21 inassociation with one or more energy responsive zones in the form anoptimal zone of impact for a torpedo or spiral punt 22. The optimal zoneof impact for a torpedo or spiral punt 22 is typically located in themiddle of the ball or slightly to the left or right of the middle if theuser of the sport ball is left or right footed. When a user kicks orstrikes an inflatable sports ball containing the bladder 20 with theproper technique, the user's foot should come into contact with theoptimal zone of impact for a torpedo or spiral punt 22 and release withthe desired trajectory. If an incorrect kicking technique is used, theuser's foot will at least partially contact at least one designatedenergy-absorbing zones 21 (otherwise known as a ‘dead spot’), the ballwill propel incorrectly through the air or not propel at all, which thusresults in a sub-optimal outcome and providing the user with instantfeedback that an improper technique or kicking style was employed.

Reference is made to FIGS. 4 and 5 which show a preferred embodimentrelating to training of a curve kick for use in soccer. The bladder 30comprises a designated energy-absorbing zone 31 in combination with twoenergy-responsive zones in the form of an optimal zone of impact 32(otherwise referred to as a sweet spot) for a curve kick. The optimalzone of impact 32 is located on the bottom right or left on theunderside of the ball when facing the direction of the target choice byuser. According to this embodiment, when the user kicks the ball withproper technique for kicking a curve kick, the inside or outside foot ofuser should come into contact with the optimal zone of impact 32. Oncethe foot has connected, the energy exchange between the user's foot andthe optimal zone of impact 32 will result in the ball flying with nearperfection from the foot in the air. If an incorrect technique is usedfor the curve kick, the foot will at partially connect with theenergy-absorbing zone 30 on the bladder, the ball will propelincorrectly through the air or not propel at all, which thus results ina sub-optimal outcome and providing the user with instant feedback thatan improper technique or kicking style was employed.

Reference is made to FIG. 6 which depicts a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention relating to a sports ball for stroke training in golf.The golf ball 40 comprises designated energy-absorbing zones 41 incombination with energy-responsive zone 42. The optimal point of impact(otherwise known as a sweet spot) is in the form of theenergy-responsive zone 42 which comprises two bands 43 that pass aroundthe circumference of the golf ball 40 at right angles and intersect attwo junctions 44. Preferably, the width of each band is between about 5mm and about 20 mm. In preferred embodiment, the width of each band isabout 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, 13 mm, 14 mm,15 mm, 16 mm, 17 mm, 18 mm, 19 mm and 20 mm. In preferred embodiments,the designated energy-responsive zone 42 is made from normal golf ballcover material. It would be appreciated by a person of skill in the artthat the ultimate aim when hitting a golf ball is that once struck, theball flies straight without going off course. When using the correcttechnique for chosen shot i.e driving, chipping and putting, the clubwill come into contact with the energy responsive zone 42 and the ballwill fly off the club allowing the user to feel the ball hit the sweetspot if the user uses the wrong technique i.e dropping the shoulder,lifting their head then the club will come into contact with thedesignated energy-absorbing zone 41 and give the user instant feedbackthat the proper technique was not used.

It is understood that all conventional methods of manufacturing astandard sports balls to be used in their usual standard is exercised.Some of the advantages of the present invention are as follows:

-   -   A sports training device that is useful for all ages and gender.    -   Creates muscle memory.    -   Provision of an inflatable training device that assists with        precision training in a wide range of ball sports inclusive of        soccer, American football, Australian Rules football, Rugby        Union and Rugby League.    -   The training device can be tailored for each chosen sport or        chosen technique.

Throughout the specification the aim has been to describe the preferredembodiments of the invention without limiting the invention to any oneembodiment or specific collection of features. It will therefore beappreciated by those of skill in the art that, in light of the instantdisclosure, various modifications and changes can be made in theparticular embodiments exemplified without departing from the scope ofthe present invention.

1. A sports ball for stroke training, comprising: one or more designatedenergy-absorbing zones; and one or more energy-responsive zones adjacentthe one or more designated energy-absorbing zones; wherein the one ormore energy-responsive zones are positioned at one or more sweet spotsof the sports ball, such that a stroke that strikes an energy-responsivezone results in the sports ball travelling further than the sports ballwill travel from a similar stroke that strikes an energy-absorbing zone.2. The sports ball of claim 1, which is inflatable.
 3. The sports ballof claim 2, wherein the shape of the inflatable sports ball is selectedfrom elliptical and round.
 4. The sports ball of claim 3, wherein theshape is elliptical.
 5. The sports ball of claim 4, wherein the one ormore sweet spots are located towards a first narrow end and/or a secondnarrow end of the elliptical shaped sports ball.
 6. The sports ball ofclaim 5, wherein the one or more sweet spots are about 4 inches above afirst narrow end and a second end.
 7. The sports ball of claim 4,wherein the one or more sweet spots are located about a substantiallycentral point between a first narrow end and a second narrow end.
 8. Thesports ball of claim 3, which is round.
 9. The sports ball of claim 8,wherein when the sports ball is placed on the ground, the one or moresweet spots are located towards each lateral periphery of the undersideof the sports ball.
 10. The sports ball according to claim 2, whereinthe one or more energy-responsive zones are the surface of a bladderthat is disposed in the interior of the inflatable sports ball.
 11. Thesports ball of claim 1, wherein the one or more energy— absorbing zonesare located on the surface of a bladder that is disposed in the interiorof the inflatable sports ball.
 12. The sports ball of claim 1, which isnot inflatable.
 13. The sports ball of claim 12, which is round.
 14. Thesports ball of claim 13, which is a golf ball.
 15. The sports ball ofclaim 14, wherein the one or more sweet spots are two bands that passaround the circumference of the golf ball and intersect at twojunctions.
 16. Use of a sports ball according to claim 1 for kickingtraining.
 17. Use of a sports ball according to claim 16, whereinkicking training is for a football code selected from the groupconsisting of soccer, Australian Rules Football, American Football,Rugby Union and Rugby League.
 18. Use of a sports ball according toclaim 17, wherein the football code is selected from the groupconsisting of Australian Rules Football, American Football, Rugby Unionand Rugby League.
 19. Use of a sports ball according to claim 18,wherein the football code is Australian Rules Football or AmericanFootball.
 20. Use of a sports ball according to claim 16, wherein thekicking training is for a kicking technique selected from the groupconsisting of a drop punt, a torpedo punt and a spiral punt.
 21. Use ofa sports ball according to claim 17, wherein the football code issoccer.
 22. Use of a sports ball according to claim 21, wherein thekicking technique for soccer is a curve kick.
 23. Use of a sports ballaccording to claim 12, for golf stroke training.
 24. A method for sportsstroke training, which method includes the step of striking one or moreenergy-responsive zones positioned at one or more sweet sport on asports ball such that a stroke that strikes an energy-responsive zoneresults in the sports ball travelling further than the sports ball willtravel from a similar stroke that strike one or more designatedenergy-absorbing zones adjacent the one or more energy-responsive zoneson the sports ball.
 25. The method for sports stroke training, whichmethod includes the step of striking one or more energy-responsive zonespositioned at one or more sweet sport on a sports ball such that astroke that strikes an energy-responsive zone results in the sports balltravelling further than the sports ball will travel from a similarstroke that strike one or more designated energy-absorbing zonesadjacent the one or more energy-responsive zones on the sports ball,wherein the sports ball is the sports ball of claim 1.